rible crash. Several of the ship’s company were killed, and many dreadfully burnt; the fore-cockpit was set on fire, and the decks forced up, for they fortunately presented less resistance than the bows; in 20 minutes, however, by great exertions, the ship was half water-logged, and by 9 P.M. the fire was totally extinguished.
“June 20th, made the land to the southward of Valparaiso – stood in to examine the bay. 23d, reconnoitred Coquimbo, but did not see a single vessel at anchor there. It fell calm when we were about 4 miles from the town; and, a heavy swell setting on the shore, we found it difficult to keep off with all the boats towing. Sounded in 80 fathoms, one mile from the beach.
“June 27th, anchored in Guasco bay, under American colours; armed the boats, and sent them with a division of small-arm men, under Lieutenant Barber, to procure cattle from the inhabitants; but should they refuse to supply us, to bring off whatever they could find. At 6 P.M. the boats returned with some sheep and poultry, forcibly obtained, the Chilians declining to supply any refreshments without permission from the governor of St. Jago, distant about thirty miles. Finding by the report of Lieutenant Barber that water might be obtained, though with difficulty. Captain Johnston was induced to attempt it, and we succeeded in obtaining 30 tons; but unfortunately lost a very promising young officer. Lieutenant Robson, who was drowned in the surf whilst attempting to swim a line ashore from the launch. The loss of this valuable officer was much regretted by Captain Johnston, who declared that he never knew any one that had the service more at heart than he had.
“July 2d, the inhabitants having taken away two empty butts during the absence of the watering party, and Lieutenant Barber having informed Captain Johnston that a quantity of copper was deposited near the beach, and guarded by some horsemen, an armed party proceeded to seize it, by way of retaliation. Having brought off 31 pigs, weighing 6,000lbs., and secured 2 Spanish soldiers, we weighed and made sail to the northward.
“July 8th, a small vessel from Arica was captured by the jolly-boat near Iquique, an island on the coast of Peru. From her, and two brigs which we took about the same time, a few hogs and some refreshments were obtained, which proved of great service, as the officers and ship’s company had been on two-thirds allowance of all species, except spirits, ever since our departure from Port Jackson.
“July 13th, anchored otf Elo; took possession of and destroyed the Roslia, a ship of 375 tons, laden with earth – in the mean time one of our boats, under Lieutenant Crosby, boarded and sunk a brig in the offing, she having a similar cargo. On the following day Lieutenants Barber, Crosby, and Elton, landed with a detachment of seamen, and some soldiers commanded by Lieutenant Lane, 84th regiment, exchanged a few shot with the enemy, whom they very soon put to flight, and brought off a quantity of live stock for the use of the scorbutic patients.
